Debt Review Early Settlement
It normally takes about five years to sort out your debt through debt review. But what happens when your circumstances change and you think you would like to finish sooner. Debt review is a life saver because it makes your crushing debt so much more manageable and gives you space to breathe each month end. It helps you pay off what you owe in a structured way that takes a little time. More time than the bank would like but normally a more realistic time period for most families. It is certainly not a quick fix. Debt restructuring works slowly and progressively as you chip away at debt until you reach the finish line. But sometimes life changes for the better and suddenly you think that you no longer need the process. So, what happens when your financial situation improves while you are already under debt review. Here is what you should know.
Debt Review Early Settlement
There are many reasons your situation could suddenly improve. You might get a better paying job or receive an unexpected amount of money from a family member or from a will. Maybe your spouse or partner finds work or you start earning extra income from renting out a room in your home. You might even move to cheaper accommodation and save more each month. These changes feel wonderful and they often create the feeling that you can stop debt review right away. The truth is that you cannot leave debt review until your debts are actually paid off.
The rule is simple. To leave debt review you must repay all your debts. If you settle your smaller debts and finish paying off any vehicle finance and only have your bond left then you can leave debt review at that point. No one wants you in debt review for twenty or thirty years. The process is designed to help you finish your short term debts first and then move on with your life.
More Money Each Month
So, what do you do when you have a bit more money each month. This is where debt review becomes even more helpful. You already enjoy reduced interest rates and no extra account fees. This means every extra rand you pay goes directly into cutting your debt faster. By talking with your debt counsellor, you can make a plan to get the most impact from these extra funds while still saving a little for emergencies. A small additional payment each month can take years off your plan and save you a surprising amount of money.
A Sudden Windfall
What about if you suddenly receive a large amount of money and want to finish the process in one go. This is also possible. If this happens you simply speak to your debt counsellor and get their help. They will contact your credit providers on your behalf and request settlement offers for each account. These offers can sometimes help you save even more. Remember you are already saving a lot through reduced interest and reduced fees so the focus is on paying off what you owe rather than chasing massive discounts. Many credit providers will still offer a bit more once the debt counsellor asks which is very helpful.
One piece of advice is: Do not approach credit providers directly unless your debt counsellor specifically tells you to. If you speak to the wrong person at a branch or store you may be given the wrong settlement figure. You could even end up paying more than you need to. Your debt counsellor will speak to the correct department and make sure the offers are accurate.
Once you make the settlement payments your debt counsellor will collect letters from the credit providers that confirm each account is paid in full. When everything has been checked and confirmed you will receive your Form 19 clearance certificate. This certificate proves that you have finished the debt review process and are ready to move forward with a clean slate.
Finishing Sooner Is Possible
Debt review is a slow and steady process but it is possible to finish sooner if your income improves. Whether you have a little extra each month or enough to settle all your debts at once you will get the best advice and support from your debt counsellor. They will guide you so that every rand works as hard as possible for you.